Casas Grandes is in the state of Chihuahua not far from the border with New Mexico. The culture there flourished about the same time as the Tollan phase at Tula; and there is evidence of vigorous trade with the Toltecs, especially in macaws and turquoise. The ceramics of Casas Grandes is very appealing, with lively geometric and stylized animals drawn in black, dark red and brown over cream slip. This lovely vessel has the head of a bird or small animal, with almond-shaped eyes, double crested ornament in the center of the forehead, and delightful tiny ears. The body is composed of triangle shapes intersected by bands of white and black lines, swirls in black, and inverted 'stairs' in red and black. The overall effect is of a small surface with a lot of energy in constant movement; giving life to the vessel and making the animal figure come alive.